Tailing the Komets: Roster moves

bsebring@news-sentinel.com

The boys returned from their all-star break Wednesday afternoon and had a very spirited practice. They were flying around and working hard.

The Tucson Roadrunners have recalled goaltender Sean Maguire and will likely reassign him somewhere else in the ECHL, according to Komets General Manager David Franke. It’s not that the Komets don’t like Maguire, but if they kept him they’d probably have to get rid of Garrett Bartus to fit under the salary cap. It’s really about having enough practice and games to keep two goalies sharp but not enough for three.

Louick Marcotte missed today due to an illness.

Justin Hodgman’s return has been pushed back to early-February, but he has been cleared to fully resume practice, including full contact. He hasn’t played since the first three games of the season because of a broken bone in his shoulder.

“I feel good,” Hodgman said. “I didn’t really need the all-star break because I’ve been off for how long? I’m cleared for contact and now I have to get my legs back and take a few hits. I am dying to get out there. This has been the longest I’ve been out for one injury in my entire career.”

Franke said he doesn’t think the Komets will have to lose any players with the roster for Friday’s game in Cincinnati. Bartus will come off reserve, meaning the Komets will have two reserve spots free. Hodgman and Taylor Crunk will still be on injured reserve.

Trevor Cheek was also at practice, playing center, and said he’s ready to go full strength. He last played on Saturday for Tucson before being sent down.